"And like that he's gone." Did I feel a little bad for calling attention to Velvet and Nix? Only a little. But we're they absolutely adorable sometimes? Without a doubt yes. And did we need to tease them as much as possible until they were comfortable with each other and teasing lost its desired effect? Absolutely it was almost a requirement being his partner. That and it was a wonderful way to relax after Nix's episode.
Coco wasted no time picking up where I left off. Scooching closer to Velvet as the poor seemed to brace for impact. "I don't know Velv. I was kinda tempted to take him from you but looking at this I don't think I can. If I'm sure of one thing it's that he's smitten." she lightly punched Velvet's arm as the poor girl tried to look away in an attempt at hiding the blush that spread across her face.
The reaction only egged Coco on. "I mean come on Velv he was putty in your hands don't think I didn't see that. Plus he seems to have no problems using you as a pillow. I don't know how it could be more obvious." Coco gave her a wide honest smile.
"I'm so proud." She lightly tackled Velvet so as to not knock her over but force her into a hug.
"I can't believe it, our little bunny is not only making friends but tracking down her own man." she wiped a fake tear from her eye sniffling.
"They grow up so fast, Yatsu." The large man simply chuckled. "Even under our ever watchful eyes it is truly astonishing to watch her change."
"Not you too Yatsu." Velvet pouted as her team chuckled at her while she tried to fight Coco off of her without shaking Nix around too much.
"So what do we think happened?" Velvet asked, looking at team Intrigue.
I was the first to respond. "I think the armor doesn't fully block every strike rather it stores the feeling of each impact. He described each hit he took as a dull impact something more akin to a lovetap rather than someone trying to shatter his arm.
I think the armor suppresses the condition of his body allowing him to function until failure or even past it. Hitting him with everything he should've felt all at once when the armor fades. Like a dam building up until the gates are removed."
She moved around Nix gently pulling his shirt up to reveal his stomach, a bruised line ran across it where Yatsuhashi had hit him and a large splotch where Coco had struck, ending the spar.
She traced the line with her finger. "The skin turned black and blue and he said the muscle was sore but there are no broken bones I checked while he was freaking out."
She pulled his shirt back down. "So I'm pretty sure it simply dumps all of the physical trauma on him at once. He's got a really powerful semblance that can have massive whiplash if you're not careful."
I looked up at Velvet. "Aside from that he marked you too didn't he?"
Thinking about it I probably should've thought out the words that were leaving my mouth before I said them but I was on a roll. As Velvet's face yet again took on a crimson hue I panicked trying to correct myself before anyone could point it out.
"I'm talking about these" I quickly raised my arm revealing the queen tattoo on my underarm.
"He did this when the semblance first activated. It gives me some control over him while he's in the armor as well as a piece of armor for me that increases the strength in my arm. The same as the armor that appeared on your legs."
Velvet nodded her head. "Yea I hadn't noticed they were there until I went to move and I only did because there was more strength behind it than I was used to. I guess they also disappeared when he dismissed his armor. But when did he leave a mark? I didn't see one last night. Could it have been this morning?"
Hmm if she wasn't aware of it maybe Nix wasn't either. Was it maybe subconscious?
"Okay, try this. Just close your eyes and try to feel for someone else with your aura. You should be able to feel a small pocket of Nixs aura wherever the mark is."
"Okay." She closed her eyes focusing a short moment later a faint chocolate wave of light rippled across her body as she opened her eyes in surprise.
"Coco, can you check my left shoulder?" The team leader wasted no time sliding behind the young faunus checking under her shirt. She let out a low whistle before taking a photo with her scroll.
"Sure enough looks like our knight left his mark on Velvet." Spinning her scroll around to reveal what looked to be a tattoo of a chess piece but this one was a king.
"Maybe that's why you got more armor than I did, your mark is a higher rank might come with a better strength buff too." I mused mainly to myself.
"Hey Iris?" Coco called out to me. "does Velvet have to worry about the same shit he does?" The team leader looked worried. Velvet's expression quickly changed to match it she hadn't even thought that may have been a possibility.
I shook my head. "No, while it helps us, what we get is an extremely watered down version of what he has. I think it's main function is to have someone direct him in battle. Though if I'm not mistaken Velvet's orders will probably override my own. Oh and be careful I think they hold a little sway over him even out of the armor."
The news seemed to relax Coco, even causing her to smile as she looked down on Velvet with a mischievous grin. "See Velv the kid literally gave you a key to his heart just take him already."
She quickly jumped back as Velvet tried to punch her leg. Unable to score a hit as Nix kept her anchored to the spot still dead asleep. "Could you lay off me for a bit Coco? It's getting less and less funny."
The rabbit girl was fuming and looked to continue ranting at her team leader before she paused as though she was listening to something. Before pulling her ears in front of her face as though she was trying to hide away. While her teammate Fox started chuckling while quietly chewing on a sandwich.
"Fox, keep your gross thoughts to yourself." Velvet's voice was low, barely audible behind her ears. Her reaction just seemed to cause Fox and Yatsuhashi to start laughing as she pouted.
"You guys, why Is Nix's team so much nicer?" This earned a laugh from both Ty and Gwen.
"Oh trust me I fully plan on torturing Nix over this for quite awhile." Gwen smiled. "I even got some pictures." A look of horror crossed Velvet's face as looked at Coco.
"Hey Gwen, can you send me those pictures too?" The girl in question simply raised her hand in a thumbs up gesture. A moment later Coco's scroll pinged.
"Thanks I owe you one." Velvet looked at me pleading for someone to defend her.
I just gave her an innocent smile. "Sorry Velv I like just sitting back and watching everything roll down hill, you're on your own for this one."
The faunus just looked defeated before busying herself ruffling Nix's hair. Even unconscious he seemed to appreciate it. It was a nice distraction from her thoughts for a moment until they inevitably drifted back to her partner.
His semblance was powerful, sure but it scared her. Not the power that it gave but what it deprived him of. It was the perfect semblance of self sacrifice. To simply push everything off till it became too much to bear. Then to continue on despite it.
It sounded like the perfect excuse for self sacrifice. The perfect reason to take the difficult option because you're the only one who can.
She swore to herself then that she would do everything she could to make sure he'd never have to make that choice. Because even in her short time knowing Nix she knew he would do it without a second thought and she would never be able to live with herself afterwards.
/-/
I started to slowly wake despite my desperate wishes. My body complained and for once I agreed with it. Trying to nestle into my pillow in a vain attempt to fight the coming consciousness.
It took a moment to notice but my pillow was oddly shaped and my mattress felt hard beneath me. The gears in my head slowly started to move as I slowly became aware of my surroundings. Why was my pillow warm? It was then I noticed a hand had been combing through my hair.
My eyes shot open as I remembered where I was and exactly what I was laying my head on. "Hey Velvet." I awkwardly said as I looked up at her.
She looked down at me with a small grin on her face. "Sleep well?" Her smile was disarming. It put me at ease instantly.
"Wonderfully thanks to you. How long was I out for?" It took everything I had to fight my rising blush as my head laid in her lap.
She took a quick look at her scroll. "About two hours now, not a bad nap."
I had to fight the sudden wave of disappointment when she stopped running her hands through my hair. Soon entering an internal struggle with myself where I slowly pried myself off of her lap not wanting to inconvenience her longer than I already had.
I sat up to find we were alone on the blanket. Velvet quickly answered my question before I could even ask it. "They wanted to wake you and drag you to the dorm room but you looked peaceful and I didn't mind so I told them to leave you. Then they all left one by one. Ty put all your armor and sword back in your locker by the way. It's been just me and you for the past half hour or so."
I was surprised I expected to wake up either alone or with Ty waiting if they hadn't drug me anywhere while I was unconscious. "Oh well thanks it's been a while since I've slept that hard or fell asleep that fast." She just rolled her eyes at me.
"Don't worry about it. I already said I didn't mind. How are you feeling by the way?" Now that she mentioned it I felt perfectly fine. I did a quick pat down on myself and sure enough no pain when I sat still or pushed on anything. No numbness, just a little sore.
"Honestly I'm just a little sore. Nothing worse than how I would feel if I had just got done with a workout otherwise I'm perfectly fine."
"So you'll be good for training tomorrow then?" Oh man that was tomorrow wasn't it. I replied with a heavy heart. "Yeah, free weights focusing on the upper body right?"
If her giggle was anything to go by I was correct or she took some amusement in the defeat in my voice.
"So Nix we kinda figured out a few things with your semblance."
I gave her all of my attention, gesturing for her to continue. "Well it turns out that you kinda marked me at some point."
My brain came to a screeching halt. I did what now?
Now that she mentioned it since I unlocked my semblance I've felt two presences. I thought at first maybe I had some link with Iris but dismissed the thought when I felt something else figuring it was just something with my semblance.
"Was it on purpose?"
The question seemed so innocent but felt so loaded and important. Velvet gave no hint either, portraying no emotion other than curiosity.
Well it can't be too wrong if I just tell the truth right? "Honestly no, I had no idea how to use my semblance or what all it was capable of."
She seemed to think on my answer as she clasped her hands rubbing her thumbs together in contemplation. Seeming to come to a conclusion she scooted closer to me asking a single question.
"Do you trust me?" It seemed obvious enough she was the person I spent the most time with outside of my team. I couldn't come up with a scenario where I wouldn't take her at her words.
"Yea."
The answer seemed to please her as she inched closer causing our knees to touch.
"Last question I promise." It wasn't till now that I noticed the light blush on her cheeks and her proximity. The fact we were alone overlooking the beautiful scenery of the emerald forest. Everything seemed to slow around him as it took everything he had just to keep himself calm.
"Do you like me?"
The question threw him for a loop.
There's no way. Is this really happening? Me of all people? My mind nearly went blank as I tried to process the words she said. I desperately tried to pry words from my throat before too much time passed between us and she got nervous.
But is this okay? She's a year ahead of me. What happens when she graduates? I began to fall down an endless hole of arguments in my own mind snapping out of it when I finally met Velvet's gaze. Her eyes seemed hopeful but her expression was nervous and filled with anxiety.
To hell with it if the relationship means enough to us we'll work our way through it.
"Yes, I'm pretty sure I've liked you since the day we met." The blush on her face darkened as she lightly pulled on one of her ears fidgeting with it.
"Would you mind if we…?" She trailed off her voice becoming dying in her throat.
I desperately hoped I hadn't misjudged what she was talking about. I mean what else could it be?
"Absolutely I'd love the chance to go out with you." She jumped a little letting go of her ear facing me. She searched me for any sign of insincerity, almost like she didn't believe what I had said.
The smile that spread across her face would have lit up the night had it been dark. In a moment she had picked herself up and shifted into my lap wrapping her arms around my neck.
"Hope you realize that means this is my seat now." My arms instinctively wrapped around her resting comfortably along her waist as she leaned into my chest.
"Y'know I think I can make that work." She looked up at me with a smug grin.
It was then that a thought occurred to me. "Man our teams are gonna tease the shit out of us huh?"
She let out another melodious giggle. "Oh yea without a doubt."
"Then we need to start working on a revenge plan." She started rubbing her hands together, the trademark manic grin spread across her face.
"Ooo yes but there are so many options. What do we do first?"
I've grown to love what I call evil Velvet. You wouldn't expect it from her with how she acts around people she doesn't know, it was probably due to her time with Coco or at least emboldened by it, but every time I saw it I couldn't help but chuckle and encourage it.
"I'm game for whatever you come up with, but I say we let them determine how far we go." It was fine to retaliate, it sounded fun even but the last thing he wanted to see was how far Coco was willing to go if she felt she had been wronged.
"Hmmm fine I'll hold off for now." She laced her arms back around my neck nestling into me.
She looked too cute for me to do nothing and I figured now wasn't a bad time to return the favor for all the head pats she'd give me.
I raised my hand to the back of her head massaging her scalp as I held her. Aiming for the spot just behind where her rabbit ears anchored into her head.
She let out a deep sigh as she relaxed her ears drooping forward. "I'm now requiring this of you in the future."
"Only if you scratch around my ears again." She tilted her head as though in thought.
"Hmm deal-." I had leaned in to get a better look at her face but she hadn't noticed so when she made to look up at me our faces bumped together causing her words to catch in her throat.
The sudden proximity brought us both to a halt as I took in every detail. Her warmth and the way she held me. That familiar floral scent I only ever got a whiff of when I hugged her. The way her eyes seemed to glow as they stared back into mine. Even the feeling of her breath against my skin I was locked into the moment unable to move not that I knew what to do if I could.
Gently a pressure was placed on the back of my neck not a demand simply a question as she tried to draw me in. The same question was reflected in her eyes with a slight tilt of her head. She obviously didn't want to force anything onto me that I wasn't comfortable with. I could feel the hesitation in her touch but it wasn't needed. I let her hand guide me down into her, tilting my head to the side as our lips gently collided.
At first they were clumsy and chaste, our noses bumped and our teeth clacked together. But it only took a few tries to get better as I pulled her against me.
We stayed together longer allowing me to fully feel how soft and warm her lips were. I could feel her hands trace their way up my back and across my neck leaving a path as my skin seemed to catch fire at her touch.
Her hands dove into my hair, her nails digging in around my ears causing bolts of electricity to race down my spine. Forcing a small moan from my lips as she captured them with her own. I could feel her lips slightly curl into a small as she forced reactions out of me with her ministrations.
The burning of our lungs being the only reason we pulled apart and the only way for me to gauge how much time was passing as I lost myself in her and even those started to blend together as I lost count.
Even as we separated for air I was hungry for more finding myself swiftly returning to her again and again. Each time we met being shorter than the last as we struggled for air. Eventually turning back into a mere brush of the lips.
The quick and constant return caused me to get clumsy and miss. The action coaxed a giggle out of velvet, a wonderful sound I'd grown to love. So I started to miss on purpose as I trailed down the side of her cheek ending on her neck all the while being rewarded with the wonderful sound of her voice.
I let my head rest on hers as she slumped against me. "That was great." Nice job Nix that was most likely the best thing you've ever experienced in your life and the only word you come up with to describe it is great? Fuckin poetic.
"I think we could get a bit better though." Velvet looked up at me with a small grin.
"Yeah we'd need to practice though." I couldn't help but match her smile.
"Oh, any time."
We sat together in each other's arms for a few hours before we finally separated. She helped me gather the blanket before stealing one last kiss and walking off. My eyes couldn't help but follow, glued to the way her hips swayed until she rounded the corner finally out of sight letting me return back to reality.
What just happened?
I pinched myself not fully believing this was real until I was greeted by pain. Yep not dreaming. Honestly he had never thought about something like this happening a part of him truly believed it never would. Even if his older sister Cynthia told him it would.
Oh gods then there was his family. He had no doubt there was a betting pool. And his team was one thing but if his parents found out.
He shivered at the thought of the endless pictures his mother took of him. She no doubt had scrap books filled with every embarrassing moment from his childhood he could remember.
The cold breeze sent a chill down his back reminding him he was still standing alone off the side of the sparring fields. Deciding to hold off from going down that particular train of thought he started walking back to his team's dorm room.
I should bake her something again, maybe another carrot cake? I bet Sarah would have a few different recipes for them. I could probably try my hand at ice cream too. I'll have to ask Coco about her favorite flavor.
Heavily distracted being lost in my own thoughts I walked into the dorm room. Absent-mindlessly digging around for a change of clothes I managed to completely miss both Ty and Gwen sneaking up on me. As I turned around to go take a shower they both tackled me from the side locking down one arm each.
This didn't bode well. "Come on guys, give me a little mercy, it's been a hell of a day."
The only response being a click of the tongue from Gwen. "Tsk, you really think we're gonna give you a chance like that and not grill you for details when you get back?"
I hung my head in defeat. "Come on Gwen, it's not that big of a deal, just let me take a shower." Her grip tightened as she stepped onto my foot, her facial features darkening. "Not a chance I live off of this stuff now spill."
I glanced at Ty in an attempt to get him to free me but he was stalwart not offering any retreat or shelter so much for a childhood friend. My partner was much the same as she was laid out on her bed enjoying the chaos like it was some shifty tv drama.
I pouted trying to earn pity from anyone in the room.
This proved to be a mistake as Gwen swiftly grabbed my face forcing me to look at her.
She seemed to inspect me for a moment before she rubbed her hand over my mouth staring at her palm. A smile slowly grew across her face as her death grip on my arm turned into a hug.
"Haha, Nix you sly dog I knew you could do it." Both Ty and Iris shot her questioning looks for me.
In one swift motion Gwen's innocent hug turned into a headlock I wasn't ready for. I should've known better than to let her hug me like that with the mood she was in.
After her grip was secure she turned back to the rest of the team. "I may not know Nix very well but I'm almost certain our teammate here doesn't wear lip gloss."
She extended her hand revealing a very shiny slightly pink tinged gel that I hadn't even noticed was left behind. Iris, intrigued, decided to leave her place on her bed to inspect the substance that Gwen held out.
"Yea that lip gloss alright." She just looked up at me smiling. I could feel the heat from my blush as it spread across my face.
I felt a small pat on my shoulder as Ty said one simple word. "Nice." It was probably going to be the last moment I was going to appreciate tonight.
Gwen tightened her grip. "We already know something happened so spill the beans." God's she really was going to force it out of me huh? I was too embarrassed to just say it, that and it became a matter of pride it was my business. What right did she have to force information out of me like this?
"Well if you're not gonna talk we'll just have to rely on some other methods to get it out of you. Ty do the thing."
Oh no not Ty. I watched as the bastard stepped forward and to his credit with a look of remorse for me as he tried to silently apologize but I would give him no acceptance for this betrayal.
With all our years of knowing each other being childhood friends came with certain knowledge like where I'm ticklish and the bastard went straight for them.
I tried and failed to contain my laughter and remain stalwart but my efforts crumbled quickly as I began to thrash around in a vain attempt to escape with both Gwen and Iris keeping me in place.
Even betrayed by my partner, what a cruel world.
After a few moments Gwen signaled Ty to stop. "Feel like talking yet?" I shot her an evil glare.
"I don't kiss and tell." Her eyes sparkled.
"He admits it! onwards press him for more deets."
I really should just stop talking. We're his last thought before Ty continued his ticklish assault on their prisoner. It was then that Nix had a realization.
In a flash of light a chest plate encapsulated around Nix's torso shunting the offending fingers away freeing him from their torture.
Gwen howled. "Damn you Nix, just tell me what happened please." Out of breath and tired I relented.
"Fine but you have to let me go and you all only get one specific question."
I could hear Gwen's mumbling under her breath as she let me go.
"Fine." She started to pace around contemplating her question as I recovered my dropped clothes armor still intact. She stopped turning to face me.
"Okay I've got it and just know I understand you want a little privacy so I'm going easy on you here. How long ago did you wake up?" The question was surprising she could've asked anything and that's what she went with? Unable to immediately find any trap in the question itself I answered honestly.
"About two or three hours ago." She let out a little squeal.
"Wow Nix how long were you two going at it? You weren't exactly in the most private of places either. How many people saw you two?" I could feel my face heat up no doubt turning completely red.
"Goddammit Gwen." She just smiled at wiggling her eyebrows as I quickly stormed past her making a b line for the shower. She called out before I could make it to the door.
"Remember Nix too much affection can be just as bad as too little you gotta give the girl a break."
I slammed the door behind me, drowning out her giggles. Before a soft slap echoed out from the room in what was no doubt Iris chastising Gwen for taking it a little too far. Not a bad way to make up for her earlier betrayal.
I chuckled as I got ready for my shower.
Of all the assumptions and thoughts I had about how my time at Beacon would go this was certainly not in any of them it all seemed like some sub par fanfic.
Gwen gave me a quick apology as I emerged from the bathroom no doubt egged on by Iris. I just waved her off with a quick nod of my head before crashing onto my bed.
I was out as soon as I hit the pillow.
/-/
I was floating in darkness weightless. Nothing around me changed, no sound rang out as I floated through nothingness. Or maybe I sat in the same place I couldn't tell. The darkness felt oppressive as it weighed down on me.
I tried to call out. Emphasis on tried as my jaw wouldn't respond my voice made no attempt to call out. Panic shot through me as I realized I wasn't in control of my body, unable to move even a finger stuck frozen in the void.
My panic only worsened when I realized I couldn't breathe. The realization brought a burning pain as my lungs begged for air. I could do nothing as the fire roared in my chest. My body refusing to do as instructed.
The void around me slowly began to turn red as a voice filled my ears, distant and muddied.
"S_! _ir! Wa_e _p the _te i_ falli_ng!"
The voice slowly grew in volume as it became clearer. A white dot appearing in the dull red that now encompassed me. I felt something jostle me grabbing onto my shoulders unfortunately it still left me unable to move.
As the voice grew louder much louder if I could move I'd cringe and cover my ears as the sound bounced around inside my head.
"Please, you need to get up!" The voice gained a sudden clarity, a man rife with grief, his words sounding more like pleads than commands.
Another jostle, the white dot expanded, my arm twitched as it did my whole body went numb. In a literal flash the dot tore across the surrounding space bathing everything in a bright brilliant white. I closed my eyes bringing my hand to my face.
The sudden control allowed me to suck in a deep breath freeing my lungs from their pain as my eyes adjusted.
Slowly the world came into focus. I was in a large walled off courtyard sitting leaned against the base of a statue. A large gate reinforced with thick iron big enough for a carriage to easily roll through unimpeded had been barred shut and further reinforced with lumber. And even with its reinforcement the gate flexed as something smashed into it, the iron creaking threatening to give way.
The roar of Grimm trickled in as my hearing came to me even unable to see the number of Grimm I held no doubt that the stone walls were fending off a great horde
To my side knelt a man who seemed no older than me judging from his voice. In beaten and battered armor that sported large dents, various cuts, several straps hung loose having been severed. Most cloth in between the armor plates had been caked with mud and blood no doubt.
How he was still moving despite the damage his armor showed him living through I had no idea but it didn't fail to impress me
His voice was thick with relief as he spoke. "Thank the emperor, you're still with us. Come now the Gate won't last much longer." He held his hand out to lift me up. But I didn't respond. The voice and words were not mine as my lips and tongue moved of their own accord while my hand batted his away as my body began to shift.
"Foolish child, go join your father inside he's sure to need help." The voice was deep and scratchy as the man began to slowly pick himself up.
The words and actions were not my own. I found myself unable to intentionally move any limb how I wished I couldn't even breathe at my own pace. I was trapped inside someone else's mind or at least that's how it felt seeing through his eyes feeling through his body instead of my own with no input on what was happening.
The kid was taken aback. "What do you mea-"
He cut him off. His voice carried a loud demanding tone. "Leave and quickly." Slowly he began to use the statue to pull himself up; his body felt like it was on fire as he moved his lungs protesting with every breath he drew several wounds dotted his body no doubt bandaged but nothing close to healed.
"It is my time child I have lived far longer than most. Besides, I'm too injured even if I managed to escape without dragging the rest of you down." He finally managed to lift himself to his feet standing a little taller than the young man before him.
"Leave escape with your father and ensure we fight another day. I shall hold them even if it is for a few mere moments I shall buy you time."His hand rested on a sword strapped to his hip as the young man in front of him seemed frozen in place, his face hidden by his helm. But I had no doubt his mind was racing for any reason to convince the man to go with him till his arms fell slack and he let out a breath of defeat.
"Fine but." he seemed unsure as he went to step forward before stopping himself, righting his posture and slamming his hand into his breastplate in a salute.
"Thank you, I shall see to it that we live to fight another day." He made to move away before glancing over his shoulder. "May you find peace." the man offered him no more than a nod as he left. I could tell he wished to do more but his body would not allow it, barely able to stay upright.
I doubted the man was capable of taking another step without ending up sprawled across the floor..
He laughed as rough and horse a thing it was as he watched the gate and smiled. "I would have preferred a bit more time with my grandchildren but I don't think it was that bad of a run."
He began to muse to himself. "Gloria always said my duty would be the death of me. I still can't believe she went before me. Can't wait to rub it in her face when I see her next." The creak of metal drew the man's attention.
He drew his blade even as the muscles in his arms cried out in pain. The weapon couldn't weigh anymore than six or seven pounds; it should've been a simple task to hold the blade out ahead of him as he steadied himself.
But his stamina was long gone and his breath quickly became ragged under the light load even as he used the statue to keep himself upright.
A sickening crack rang out as wood gave way to claws. The steadied his breathing as armor began to coalesce around him not unlike my own except his was a brilliant white trimmed in gold but cracked and damaged the state of the armor was a reflection of his body while still polished it was on the verge of collapse.
Yet as the armor encased him the stress all but faded away as his stance solidified his muscles felt as though they were healed and rested ready for a fight. Not a moment later the gates exploded open an Ursa charging through them.
The beast charged right for the man but it had not expected him to meet it halfway. Its arms were over extended aiming for where the man had once been; in a flash he had ducked under its claws and stood within its arms.
Rather than bury his blade in the beast's chest carving its heart from its body, he threw his shoulder into the beast with considerable strength, throwing the large creature back listing to the crunch as it crushed whatever Grimm had been behind it.
But he hadn't waited in a flash he brought his blade down, severing the head of a Beowulf that was looking to get past and further into the complex behind him, something he wouldn't allow.
Before it could recover he strode over top the Ursa slitting its throat with a single quick swipe leaving it to drown in its blood as he pushed on. He met the flood of Grimm head on his sword sang as it tore through their bodies almost too fast to see. Lacking any shield or defensive option he flowed through his attackers like water cleaving limbs and severing heads as he moved from one to the next.
Yet their numbers did not dwindle what little remained of the gate had been blown off their hinges reduced to naught but kindling beneath the horde's feet allowing more to flood in both around and past him.
He began to move faster in an attempt to keep up with the rush of new enemies against him, his movements becoming erratic. Claws began to find purchase on his armor more often, batting him around as they began to bury him alive with their sheer numbers and mindless rage. It was all he could do to carve his way out before more could weigh him down and pin him to the dead bodies of their brethren.
As he fought exhaustion began to creep its way in the numbness leaving him as his muscles slowly began to cry out once more his armor was failing and he could feel it.
No longer was he able to summon his immense strength as his blade became stuck in a Grimm he wasn't sure what kind as it all became a blur. What he was sure of was the large claw coming right for him. He tried to dodge but his legs felt like lead weights and were pinned by corpses; he was pinned, unable to pull himself free stuck in the pile of death he created as they poured in around him.
He looked up and allowed himself to relax as he could no longer fight and accepted his fate.
The claw shattered his armor pain slammed into his skull every blow he'd taken, registering all at once. A moment later he could feel the searing pain of the claw digging through his face. His spine compressing pushed to its breaking point before a sickening snap as the beast crushed him into the floor killing him.
Like someone had turned out a light darkness consumed me once more and the pain was gone as though it never existed in the first place.
Faintly a dull light began to pulse ahead of me slowly. I began to make out an orb or a mass as it writhed and shifted every so often a soft light would shine out from an opening before it was quickly covered up again by whatever was wrapped around it.
I was entranced by it knowing it was important but not sure why, unsure of what to do I watched it shift. Until a head poked out from the mass it was that of a snake with deep glowing red eyes. It could only be one thing, a Grimm and it was looking right at me watching. Before either of us could make a move I felt a tug as I was yanked downward away from the Grimm.
I startled awake wrapped in blankets covered in sweat. The room was dark. A quick glance confirmed it was my room, relief flooded me as Gwens snoring reached my ears. I let myself fall back onto my pillows. What was that?
I've had nightmares before but nothing like that. Normally I could remember being frightened sometimes not even why but I could remember every excruciating detail of the dream. The way his body hurt, the desperate sound of the man that woke him, even the sound of flesh being peeled from his face as he was crushed, the feeling of the muscles snapping apart as his skin tore loose it sent a chill down my spine. It left me feeling vulnerable, naked and cold.
I couldn't keep the noises out of my head as they played on repeat torturing me.
I had to get up regardless of how early it was if I continued to lay here it would never stop. Quietly I dressed myself and crept out of the room. My scroll revealed it was five in the morning. Being forced awake at this hour was a crime. It also meant nothing else was open, racking my mind trying to find something to distract myself with eventually finding myself in front of the student kitchens.
I guess I did decide to try some new recipes yesterday and it's not like I don't have the time. A quick check to confirm all the ingredients were in stock and a good ten minutes searching dust-tube for some good music I set to work slowly forgetting about the nightmare and losing myself in my baking.
/-/
It was Ty that eventually found me in the student kitchens staring at a chocolate carrot cake like it held all the answers in the known universe.
"You good over there?" I didn't bother looking over at him.
"I don't know is that Ty or the asshole that betrayed me last night?" He let out a sigh. "'C'mon man, it was Gwen cut me some slack." I didn't respond.
"Ughh yea okay fine what do you want?" Now we were talking.
"What's Gwens weak spots? Is she ticklish, maybe she loves cute things a tad too much?" He walked up leaning on the table across from me making sure the room was empty which so early in the morning it was.
He lowered his voice. "Her feet, they're the only sensitive spot she has. She doesn't think I know either she was hanging out with some of her friends and I had just left but forgot my scroll when I came back her friend saw fit to mess with her so I waited a couple minutes after the two calmed down, knocked on the door on my way in and she was none the wiser."
I nodded my head. "Okay you're forgiven. What's up?"
"Well when you weren't around this morning Gwen was a little worried so I went looking before she set herself on a warpath. Normally I'd say you just woke up early but it's also not everyday I find you eye fucking a cake so I'd put money on it that everything isn't exactly alright."
I chuckled at his words, not like I could say he was wrong. "Hehe. No, I'm just a little off, Trying to clear my head. Had a bad night."
He walked over and nudged my arm. "Well everyone is up and about so how about you join the rest of us? The girls are about ready to head to breakfast and I want to beat them there. Besides, I simply refuse to believe that cake is a good conversationalist."
That last part earned an eye roll from me. "Alright fine just let me get a slice of this packed up grab some if you want it."
I hadn't put any icing on the cake. I wasn't sure if it needed any so by the time I got a slice in a small to go container for velvet Ty had his own in some paper towels munching as we walked.
"Hmm chocolate carrot cake? Better than I'd thought it'd be." He nodded his head as he took another bite. "Compliments to the chef." He chuckled. "Your sisters have to be going through withdrawals by now."
Oh man that was something I hadn't thought of. The twins were probably driving mom insane while my older sister were tearing their way through town trying to find someone who could bake worth half a damn. No matter how bad they wanted good desserts there was no way they would bother trying to do it themselves.
I'd offered to teach them at one point. "Not on your life, You do the baking, I get the good stuff, get it?" Nothing could change their minds. Bet they were regretting their choices now.
I laughed as I responded "Ha they probably are I've no idea though. No clue what my mothers scroll number is figured I'd sort all of that out when I go back to visit during our first break."
Ty cringed. "You better your mother will have your head if you don't."
"Yea teach too probably."
We talked about what all Ty had missed since he moved away and Teaches new training regiments he didn't get to partake in. Soon we found ourselves at our regular table with Gwen and Iris not too far behind.
"There he is, we missed you this morning Nix, something happen?" It was Iris that spoke up as she sat across from him.
"Nah, I just woke up early, couldn't go back to sleep and I didn't want to wake you guys. I ended up baking and losing track of time." They took his excuse for what it was and without any problems falling into a familiar thrum of conversation as they ate. Only being interrupted by team CFVY to say hello as they joined or it would be normally instead everyone watched Velvet.
Instead of taking her own seat at the table she sat on my lap saying good morning as she stole another chaste kiss before turning to her breakfast realizing everyone was staring at her. "What?"
Coco was practically vibrating in her seat. "I knew it, I fuckin called it. You owe me details." The team leader's gaze was as dangerous as she was excited.
Velvet shrunk back into me a bit. "Okay, just not right now." She squirmed in my lap as everyone stared at us with a light blush on her face and if the heat I felt was anything to go by I had my own matching one. Her team leader raced around the table pulling her and by proximity me into a hug.
"I'm so happy for you I knew it would happen eventually." The grip she had on my shoulder turned to steel as she pulled back glaring at me over her shades. "Break her heart and I break you. Got it? And no not even your armor will save you from my wrath."
I gulped. "Yes ma'am." Velvet was quick to turn and lightly cuff the girl's shoulder as she started to tell her off. Her words were quickly drowned out by a voice that reverberated from the back of my mind.
`Just so you're aware it won't be just Coco you have to worry about.` It was fox.
Normally when the guy opens a link to someone it's hard to feel until he makes his presence known by speaking. After he does you can feel his voice in your mind until he leaves. And it never left meaning he had to be waiting for me to respond to his sudden arrival.
`Trust me, that's my last intention without all of you being a living consequence.` It was strange hearing him chuckle both in my mind and across the table from me at my response.
`I figured but Yatsu said he'd like me to let you know." Man for as peaceful the big guy seemed sometimes he really did act his size. `That and he also said to let you know he hopes the relationship turns out well.`
There's the Yatsu I know. `Well let him know I'll do my best. Oh and do let him know that if this does go all the way he's probably first in line to be the godfather.` Fox grinned as I felt his connection to me fade a moment later Yatsu choked on his tea turning to me wide eyed coughing into his hands.
"You good there, Yatsu?" Both Coco and Velvet turned to look at him. "Umm, yes *cough* *cough* just down the wrong pipe." Both the girls shrugged before returning to their conversation as Coco walked back to her seat. While everyone else may have missed it I did not fail to notice Fox shaking as he desperately tried to keep his laughter at bay. Wait, judging by the look Yatsu was giving him he noticed it.
"Okay fine but you can't blame me for reacting like that when you tell me nothing then do something this cute!" The conversation between Velvet and Coco grabbed my attention again. "There's no way you could make it anymore adorable. I mean he already shifts around to support you while you move. It's adorable!"
My blush deepened at her words. Had I been doing that? Ty's laughter pulled me from my thoughts. "Ha, You obviously don't know Nix." He looked at me with a grin. "Do the thing." His words brought everyone's attention to me, not that I didn't think they weren't paying attention already. Iris was treating this like some sort of showing content to take in everyone else's words while Gwendid her best to hold back and simply add on to everyone else's conversation as to not overwhelm anyone.
But what was he talking about? He decided to enlighten me. "Oh come on man you can't bring it here and not give it to her." His words only proved to further intrigue everyone at the table including Velvet who now looked at him expectantly.
I let out a sigh. Really? Of all the things he could've been talking about, was it really that?" He reached into his bag pulling out a small container handing it to Velvet. "Really Ty could you have a little tact? I was waiting till she finished breakfast." He just crossed his arms and nodded. "Yuup you keep telling yourself that buddy."
Popping open the small container revealed the slice of chocolate carrot cake. Which intrigued Velvet but caused the other girls at the table to fawn. "Nix, this is getting to be too much. I need you to tone it down for a minute." Coco said as she lightly fanned herself with her hand. You might think her serious until you saw the smug grin on her face as she stared at me, no doubt doing her best to deepen the blush that was already on my face and succeeding.
What really caught my attention was Gwen who's squeal was slowly rising in pitch as she sat next to us. It wasn't until I looked over at her did the dam of words she had created break. "Oh my gods Nix! Is that why you weren't in the room this morning? Did you wake up early to bake something for Velvet!?"
"That's not toning it down, it's the opposite of what I asked for. I'm gonna put on weight just by watching you two if this keeps this up. It's too sweet!" Coco called out before I could respond. Everyone burst into giggles at Coco's reaction leaving me with no opportunity to defend myself resulting in my own blush worsening.
The arm Velvet slung around my neck gave a gentle squeeze of thanks. Probably sensing my growing discomfort or just seeing it on my face and trying to not worsen it. I did the same to her with the hand I had around her waist which ended up there to prevent her from falling out of my lap but after it was there I saw no point in removing and judging by her lack of words or the smile she gave me when I did it she didn't see one either.
"And I'll tell you guys right now that the cake is amazing, you should try some." Gwen paused. "Wait, you've had some?" Ty went to speak but I cut him off.
"Yea he just took a slice when he found me in the kitchen this morning." Gwen processed the new information slowly as her head turned ever so slowly to Ty. Whatever face she was making I couldn't see it but Ty didn't seem to like it.
He held his hands up in mock surrender. "Whoa I asked before I took a slice. Tell her Nix." I rubbed my chin with my free hand and pretended to think. "Hmm. Did you? I don't think so." His eyes grew wide and though he did not speak I could feel him cursing my name as Gwen mouthed something to him. Iris all but confirmed it to me when she giggled at whatever message Gwen had given to Ty.
You help hold me hostage. I help plan your downfall. Sucks to suck.
The rest of breakfast went by quickly with team CFVY departing first. Velvet let me know they wouldn't be around due to a training trip and they'd be back in three days. I felt a little deflated knowing she wouldn't be around for a bit she must've noticed as she quickly embraced me after stealing another kiss.
I think it was a little game she was starting to play where she would do her best to catch me off guard. Maybe she liked to see me flounder afterwards? Not that I minded or would dare to complain.
She whispered into my ear as she hugged me. "We need to go to vale or something when I get back."
I nuzzled into her cheek. "That sounds wonderful. I'll figure something out while you're away."
She let go after a moment with a big smile on her face. "Sounds like a plan mister, I'll see you then." She didn't make it out the doors until her team started teasing her again. He watched until she was gone, finally turning back to his team with a smile no one could wipe off.
Gwen nudged his shoulder. "So when exactly is she seeing you again?" He didn't need to tell her the smirk on her face all but confirmed she had already figured out what Nix had just agreed to. But what was the harm in indulging her?
A/N- If it wasn't obvious I like adorable things and I have a weakness for romance in fic's not sure how well I write it but it'd be a cold day in hell before you could convince me to not even try.
Please leave a review with any writing critiques it's hard to improve on my own
hope you enjoyed reading this so far until next time :)
